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reel

/ɹiːl/

noun

Meaning

  • A shaky or unsteady gait.

  • A lively dance originating in Scotland; also, the music of this dance; often called a Scottish (or Scotch) reel.

  • A kind of spool, turning on an axis, on which yarn, threads, lines, or the like, are wound.

    "a garden reel"

  • A machine on which yarn is wound and measured into lays and hanks, —-- for cotton or linen it is fifty-four inches in circuit; for worsted, thirty inches.

  • A device consisting of radial arms with horizontal stats, connected with a harvesting machine, for holding the stalks of grain in position to be cut by the knives.

  • A short compilation of sample film work used as a demonstrative resume in the entertainment industry.

Synonyms

showreel

verb

Meaning

  • To wind on a reel.

  • To spin or revolve repeatedly.

  • To unwind, to bring or acquire something by spinning or winding something else.

    "He reeled off some tape from the roll and sealed the package."

  • To walk shakily or unsteadily; to stagger; move as if drunk or not in control of oneself.

  • (with back) To back off or step away unsteadily and quickly.

    "He reeled back from the punch."

  • To make or cause to reel.

  • To have a whirling sensation; to be giddy.

  • To be in shock.

  • To roll.